BRUTON RUMORS RETURN
The big season-ending Pomona rumor, is being fueled in
an O. Bruton Smith interview in the Dallas Morning News.
In it Bruton says he'll make a formal proposal to buy
the NHRA within the next 10 days, but some other signs
are pointing in that direction as well.
According to one of the
Agents very reliable operatives, Bruton's appointed negotiator
Fred Wagenhals has been in Glendora meeting with NHRA
Board of Directors member Dallas Gardner over the past
week.
According to the source Dallas was appointed directly
by founder NHRA Wally Parks to negotiate the sale to Smith.
As Bruton said in his Dallas interview, "Wally will
be happy with what I do."
There have also been some members of Bruton's Speedway
Motorsports spotted around the Pomona Finals such as Bristol
Motor Speedway Senior Manager for Media and Public Relations
Lori Worley who also attended the recent NHRA Las Vegas
event as well. [11-5-2005]
CONNIE'S GETTING FUNNY
Drag racing legends Connie Kalitta and TV Tommy Ivo (pictured)
were swapping stories in the pro staging lanes Friday
evening at Pomona where the Agent heard Connie explain
his funny car plans for son Scott next season.
There'll be an announcement over the weekend at the Finals,
but no sponsorship deal was overheard. Connie will have
his hands full next season with Doug's MAC Tools-sponsored
dragster, Grubnic's StriVectin-SD-sponsored dragster,
the new top fuel team put together for Ken Black driven
by rookie Hillary Will and a new funny car tune-up. [11-5-2005]
MOVING WEST
With the Gay family recently selling their interest in
Houston Raceway Park the Agent hears that the popular
Pontiac-sponsored Pro Stock SuperBowl will move to the
Strip at Las Vegas for 2006 and be part of pre-season
testing sessions prior the the Winternationals. The Gay
family owns a large Pontiac dealership in the Houston
area, the main reason for the event being held there.
In past years the SuperBowl had a tremendous turnout
of familiar drivers and teams thrashing their new rides,
but the Agent wonders if the East Coast pro stock hitters
who towed there for the mineshaft conditions will make
the trek to Vegas, an extra 1500 miles. [11-5-2005]
